<b>Chapter </b><b>177 </b>
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“Sleeping her way to the top?” a deep voice cut through the room like ice through warm butter.
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Everyone turned to see Ethan Haxton standing in the doorway, his tall frame filling the entrance. Raindrops glistened in his hair and on the shoulders of his perfectly tailored suit. Beside him stood Jade Morgan, her expression cool and collected as she surveyed the room. Ethan stepped inside with Jade following, closing the door behind them with deliberate slowness<b>. </b>
“I’m afraid I must correct you, Miss Sullivan,” he said, his voice cool and measured. “If by ‘kept‘ you mean Miss Morgan is my mistress, I regret to inform you that I haven’t had that particr honor.”
Catherine’s mouth fell open, her eyes widening to an almostical degree.
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“The social media posts were mine,” Ethan continued, moving further into the room, his presence bothmanding and protective. “I thought some rity was needed regarding the vehicle situation. The rumors were bing rather… creative.”
“But- Catherine stammered, her voice failing her.
Ethan nced at Jade, the hint of a smile ying at the corner of his mouth. “I would dly spend money on Miss Morgan if she’d allow it, but she seems to be quite financially independent. In fact, I suspect she has more liquid assets than I do at the moment.” His voice dropped slightly, taking on a warmer tone. “If she ever deigns to ept my financial support, I would consider it an honor.”
Chase snorted withughter. “Open your eyes, Catherine. Good luck seeing reality for once.” He shook his head, visibly enjoying her difort. “Who’s reaching above their station now? Last person who said Jade was delusional about Ethan was your cousin Aurelia, and she nearly lost her pants betting against it. You Sullivan folks are
something else–if you can’t reach it, you assume no one else can either.”
“You’re lying, Catherine whispered, her voice trembling. “You’re from the poorest part of Cloud City. You lived in that disgusting neighborhood. How could you possibly know the Haxtons?”
Ethan’s gaze turned cold, temperature in the room seeming to drop several degrees. “I would be very careful with your next words, Miss Sullivan. Very careful indeed.” The threat in his voice was unmistakable, wrapped in perfect civility.
Jade finally decided to speak, her eyes sweeping over the Sullivan family members. “Since everyone’s here, let’s talk about how we’re going to handle this situation.”
Dominic stepped forward, his expression pained. “Jade, I take full responsibility for my daughter’s actions. I hope you won’t hold this against the family. We’ve only just found you, and-”
‘What do you want? Archer asked.
<b>Jade </b>smiled slightly, the expression not reaching her eyes. “Her four limbs.”
8:17 Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>
The room went silent. President Thornton’s face paled, his hand unconsciously moving to his throat.
“Excuse me?” he whispered, horror evident in his voice.
Ethan cleared his throat. “An arm or a leg. She can keep her life.” He said it so matter–of–factly that it took a moment for the words to register with everyone.
Dominic looked horrified. “Jade, please=”
“Apologize,” he turned to Catherine, his voice low and dangerous. “Get on your knees and beg for forgiveness.”
Catherine’s face contorted with rage. “I will not! Why should I apologize? I didn’t start the rumors about her being kept. Her ssmates saw her with some rich guy!”
She turned to Ethan, desperation in her eyes. “Mr. Haxton, she’s not what you think. She’s manipting everyone.
She’s-”
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The sound of another p cut through the room as Dominic struck her again, harder this time.
“You stupid, stupid girl!” he hissed, spittle flying from his lips. “Can’t you see what’s happening? You’ve insulted Ethan Haxton to his face! You could destroy everything our family has built!”
Slowly, the realization dawned on Catherine’s face as she looked from Ethan to Jade and back again. Her eyes widened with genuine fear as she finally understood who exactly she had been attacking, and what power now stood against her.
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